Install failed: the app targets an old Android version
INSTALL_FAILED_DEPRECATED_SDK_VERSION
Android 14 and later refuse to install apps that target very old API levels.
Why it happens
Google added the block to keep apps from opting out of modern security behaviour by declaring an ancient targetSdkVersion. It affects genuinely old apps and abandoned software, not just malicious ones.
How to fix it
1. Use an installer that can bypass the block
A privileged install can pass a flag that skips the check. In Universal Installer this is Bypass low target SDK block, and it needs Shizuku or root; the option only exists on Android 14 and later.
2. Understand what you are turning off
The app really does miss out on newer platform protections. That may be fine for an offline tool and a bad idea for anything handling your data.
Also shown as
- app targets an older version of Android
- targetSdkVersion too low
- low target SDK block